International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Madhumita Jena, Gyana Ranjan Sahoo, Gitanjali Subudhi and Lakhan Lal Meena

abstract
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world. Pigeon pea is one of the predominate pulse grown during kharif. Over the years many High Yielding Varieties (HVYs) are released and being implemented in the farmers field by Govt. and private organizations. Despite of initiative from various fronts the low productivity and low rate of adoption in pulses cannot be overlooked. Visualizing into the existing scenario Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) Pulses progarmme an initiative of National Food Security Mission(NFSM) was carried out in 2022-24 by KVK, Nayagarh for enhancing the productivity of the HYV Pigeon pea crops (PRG 176, LRG 52) involving 47 no of beneficiaries with an area of 20 ha in the district. The said demonstration was supported with critical inputs i.e HYV seeds, seed inoculants, pesticides, weedicide, plant hormones etc. along with capacity building training programme at demonstrated plots followed by field visit and monitoring at regular interval. The cumulative results reveals improved Crop Management practices recorded the highest ean seed yield of 10.75 q ha-1 which was 22.8 percent higher than the yield with farmers practice (8.73 q ha-1) which accounts an additional income of Rs.10698 ha-1The data revels extension gap, technological gap and technology index were recorded 8.25q/ha,2.01q/ha and 43.7 percent respectively. Lower the extension gap & technology index indicates more feasibility of the technology. Demonstrated technology shows a positive impact in terms of gross income gain of Rs.60575 ha-1 which is 21.4 percent higher income over farmers practice. Hence it may be summarized that location specific production technologies to be promoted in CLFD programmes in collaboration with district level extension functionaries to harness pulse productivity and better adoptability.